Trying to regain control

[southernbelle]

Since my discharge, I've been trying to make some changes that will benefit me in the long run. One of the things I've committed to is getting healthy. On the recommendation of someone from this Forum I signed up for Sparkpeople which is 100% free. Not to sound like a commercial or anything, but there's tons of information for anyone willing to take the time to read it. Much like my budget, I've been tracking my exercise and eating habits there so that I can determine where I need to improve and it helps.

Speaking of budget, I've also gotten back into the habit of recording all expenses in my check register since I'm strictly cash and carry now and it helps to know where all of my money is going. I find myself coupon clipping and bargin shopping when the sale papers come out whereas I rarely did that before.

At least on the surface it feels like I'm heading in the right direction.

[JRScott]

Sounds like a good sensible change

I do cash and carry too , Cash only for food/gas, checks are used for utilities, home maint, taxes etc.

I am very careful what I spend though.

[southernbelle]

Me too. I'll admit, my debit card was keeping me from tracking my money like I should, but being vigilant about recording my spending habits on the check register keeps me constantly aware of what's coming in and going out.

[Cali]

I wish you luck.

I haven't written a check in forever.

[FLBK7]

Me too. I'll admit, my debit card was keeping me from tracking my money like I should, but being vigilant about recording my spending habits on the check register keeps me constantly aware of what's coming in and going out.

I no longer write checks. However, I still carry my checkbook and register around, with a rubber band around it. Tacky, huh? Very tacky, but it's what works for me.

You see, I treat each and every debit transaction as a check. Whenever I use the debit card I either record it immediately in the register or, if there is no time, I fold the receipt and stick it under the rubber band. That's a reminder to record the expense in the register before using the card again. It may take a couple weeks to get used to this method but it's worked beautifully for me. I check my balance almost daily online, and I'm usually always balanced down to the penny.

You are on the right track, Southernbelle. Good luck!

[Flamingo]

I no longer write checks. However, I still carry my checkbook and register around, with a rubber band around it. Tacky, huh? Very tacky, but it's what works for me.

You see, I treat each and every debit transaction as a check. Whenever I use the debit card I either record it immediately in the register or, if there is no time, I fold the receipt and stick it under the rubber band. That's a reminder to record the expense in the register before using the card again. It may take a couple weeks to get used to this method but it's worked beautifully for me. I check my balance almost daily online, and I'm usually always balanced down to the penny.

You are on the right track, Southernbelle. Good luck!

You must be my relative - I do exactly the same thing!... Another tip - if you itemize taxes and any of your receipts are tax deductable, highlight them in yellow or another color in your ledger or make an online document and add them in on a daily or weekly basis. At the end of the year you don't have to go back and go through all your ledger listings/receipts!

[AngelinaCatHub]

Since my discharge, I've been trying to make some changes that will benefit me in the long run. One of the things I've committed to is getting healthy. On the recommendation of someone from this Forum I signed up for Sparkpeople which is 100% free. Not to sound like a commercial or anything, but there's tons of information for anyone willing to take the time to read it. Much like my budget, I've been tracking my exercise and eating habits there so that I can determine where I need to improve and it helps.

Speaking of budget, I've also gotten back into the habit of recording all expenses in my check register since I'm strictly cash and carry now and it helps to know where all of my money is going. I find myself coupon clipping and bargin shopping when the sale papers come out whereas I rarely did that before.

At least on the surface it feels like I'm heading in the right direction.

[justplaintired]

I write checks for groceries and gas. I use my banks online banking to pay all my utilities and house payment. Debit card I use seldom and only places I know they don't have a fee for using it. Checks work good for me, I have carbon checks and it means I never miss writing one down. I have been keeping receipts for everything since Jan. My stack is huge, but just in case I have them all.

I go threw all local grocery ads each week, buy just what's on sale. It's the only form of shopping I allow myself now, so it's something I look forward to now.